SWINDON warmed up for the start of their Verde Recreo Hockey League season this weekend with a 3-2 friendly defeat at county rivals Devizes.

The match was played in four 20-minute quarters and Swindon started well.

As the first quarter came to an end, Tom Wickens tweaked his calf and was forced off, leaving Swindon to play the final 60 minutes with 10 men.

However, they continued to play the better hockey in the second quarter against a lacklustre home side.

In the second half, Swindon continued to frustrate their hosts but Devizes managed to squeeze a goal home following a dubious cross that was batted in over Alan Gough’s head.

Despite the setback, Swindon got back into the game through a short corner, with Aidan Smith reacting quickly and hammering the ball home on the reverse.

Within minutes of the final quarter starting, Devizes took the lead again through a short corner, before a well-worked move down the left saw James Young level matters once more.

Devizes managed a winner in the final two minutes, but Swindon coach Rob Riddell said: “It says a lot that even with 10 men that we are really disappointed to not get something from the game.

“It was a great workout for us and was still good preparation for our first Championship match at City of Bath on Saturday.”

Swindon’s ladies got their West Clubs League Premier Division 2A campaign under way with a 6-0 triumph at Lansdown.

Under early pressure, Sarah Anstey made a fine diving save before Swindon counter-attacked and Gemma Scrase slotted home a reverse-stick smash.

The second goal came when Angela Cooke was on target from a short corner, before Adriana Boullosa added a third.

Lynsey Wall scored the fourth after half-time and quickly added her second and her side’s fifth.

Chloe Silvester wrapped up the result with the sixth.

Swindon ladies 2nd string drew 1-1 in their Wessex Division One opener against Devizes.